Viola Revival
New Focus, 2026
9/10
The violist Jonathan Bagg is in great company for these 3 involved pieces from African American composers who were criminally overlooked in their time.
Marion Bauer’s “Sonata For Viola And Piano, Op. 22” opens with Bagg’s intimate viola alongside Emely Phelps’ meticulous piano that weave in and out of heartfelt and firm ideas across the 3 segments.
In the middle, “Sonata For Viola And Piano”, by Ulysses Kay, again sees Bagg’s careful strings complemented by Phelps’ for the dramatic and poetic selections that embrace triple meter, rhythmic displacement and mysteriousness.
Margaret Bonds’ “Troubled Water” exits, and it pairs the stirring viola with Mimi Solomon’s lovely keys amid the lively arpeggios and blues tinted moments.
Bagg’s resume is quite impressive, and this project further displays his inimitable viola talents with excellent pianists who illuminate the underrepresented composers that we should all be more familiar with.
Travels well with: Conrad Tao- Adam Roberts: Book Of Flowers; Andy Kozar- Ein Horn